The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) introduces the 'Re-X Before Recycling' Prize, a groundbreaking initiative offering $4.5 million in cash prizes and $1.1 million in national laboratory analysis consultation and technical assistance. This three-phase prize encourages teams to develop innovative solutions to extend product lifetimes through re-using, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, or repurposing ("Re-X") before recycling. The goal is to reduce life cycle energy and emissions, strengthen circular supply chains for clean energy technologies, and diminish the demand for virgin materials, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, emphasizes the shift from a linear to a circular model, highlighting the importance of keeping products in use before recycling. Phase One, "Identify!", calls for competitors to propose innovations that offer substantial environmental, economic, and community benefits in a new or expanded Re-X supply chain. Phase Two, "Prepare!", allows teams to refine their plans and activate networks of partners and mentors. In Phase Three, "Develop!", selected winners demonstrate progress in executing their plans, emphasizing network development and community engagement. Applications for Phase One are due on March 12, 2024, and DOE anticipates selecting up to 20 winning projects, each receiving a $50,000 cash award and up to $5,000 in analysis consulting. Two informational webinars are scheduled for December 14, 2023, and January 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EST. Explore this prize opportunity, deadlines, and application details to be part of a transformative journey in clean energy innovation.
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